US2007673A

US2007673A - Railway switch operating apparatus

Info

Publication number: US2007673A
Application number: US693626A
Authority: US
Inventors: Herbert L Bone
Original assignee: Union Switch and Signal Inc
Current assignee: Hitachi Rail STS USA Inc
Priority date: 1933-10-14
Filing date: 1933-10-14
Publication date: 1935-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 1952-07-09

Description

July 1935. H. BONE ,0 fi

RAILWAY SWITCH OPERATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 14, 1935 3 Sheets--Sheet l INVENTOR Herbert L .5009

BY diam HIS A TTORNE Y July 9, 1935. H. L BONE RAILWAY SWITCH OPERATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 14, 1933 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 e 0 mm m5 N N N M 6% mSv 2 w WWW mww m wvm ww K w I Q I: O 1w: HHHN N i an Q aw Q? mwH Qm LU J KN m QW L: I; -i Q N ww mw ww u HIS A T TORNE Y BY 6221f July 9, H E

RAILWAY SWITCH OPERATING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 14, 1933 5 She9ts-5heet 3 Q m dw Km INVENTOR Herberf L .5012? F Q/KUIZLQJZ HIS A T TORNE Y Patented. July 9, 19 35 MUNKTED STATES PATENT OFFICE 6 2,007,673

RAILWAY swITcH- OPERATING APPARATUS 7 Herbert L. Bone, Pittsburgh, Pa assignorto The Union Switch & Signal Company, Swissvale,

a., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application, October 14, 1933, Serial No. 693,626 g 16 claims. Kerr e-318)"? V My invention relates to railway switch operata spring connecting rod C. 'When the switch ing apparatus, and particularly to apparatus for occupies its normal position in which position it operating spring switches.

One object of my invention is to provide -apfixedrail. I, and the movable rail Z is spaced a paratus of the type described including means slight distance from the fixed rail I. When the 5 for locking the switch in both extreme positions switch is reversed, however, the movable rail 2 in such manner that if a train trails the switch then engages the fixed rail I and the movable in either extreme position, the switch will become rail 2"is spaced from the fixed rail I. automatically unlocked by means mechanically The springconnecting rod C may have any 10 actuatedby the wheels of the train, and will 'resuitable form, but in the well-known form here 10 main unlocked until thetrain is completely past illustrated, thisc'onnecting rod comprises a cy, the switch, after which the switch will again lindricalhousing Ill having a lateral extension become locked in the extreme position which I0 fastened to the head rod 6 (see Fig. 2). The it previously occupied. lower. end l of the housing It)v has a smaller Other objects of my invention will become apdiameter than the body of the housing,.while the 15- parent as the description proceeds.

I will describe two forms of apparatus embodyan end H similar, to the end lil Slidably ing my invention, and will then point out the mounted in the opening in the end ltl is a sleeve novel features thereof in claims. l2 provided with an annular flange l2 located In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is atop within the housing Ill, and similarly mounted 20" plan view showing a spring switchA controlled in the-opening in the end H is a sleeve l3 proby a switch operating and locking mechanism B videdwith an annular. flange it which is also constructed in accordance with my invention. locatedwithin the housing ID. A spring rod M. Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view of extends through'the sleeves l2 and IS with sufthe connecting rod C forming part of the apficientclearance topermit the rod to slide freely paratus illustrated in Fig. l. r Fig. -3'is an enin the sleeves, and this rod carries a compres-' larged top plan view of the switch operating and sion spring l5 which engages thesleeves at their locking mechanism B shown in. Fig. 1 with the annular. flanges and urges the sleeves toward the parts in their normal positions, the circuit con positions in which the annular flange lZ of'the :m troller and the cover for the main part of the sleeve-l2 engages theshoulder formed on the in-- mechanism being removed to better illustrate thev side of theihousing ill by the end HF, and the construction of the mechanism. Fig.4 is a annular flange l3iof; the. sleeve I3 engages the longitudinal sectional view of the mechanism shoulder-termed on the insideof the cap H by shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a view, similar to Fig. the end Il The springlrod I4 is provided with a") 3, but showing the parts of the mechanism in an annular shoulder I l forat times engaging their reverse positions. 1 Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic the,-outer .;end-of the sleeve l2, and with a nut viewshowing the spring switch A operated by MP for at times engaging the outer end of the means of a lever located at a remote pointand sleeve I3. The lower end of the spring rod I4 nism, which lock mechanism also embodies operation of the spring connecting red C is well invention. l understood and need not, therefore, be described Similar reference characters refer to similar here. r l parts in each of the several views. i The head rod 6 is also connected by means of Referring first to Fig. 1, the reference char-, an adjustable link l6 withthe piston rod ll of .r acter A designates a railway switch-comprising, a bufilngdevice D. This bufiing device may be as usual, two; fixed rails l and l? and two movof any; suitable type, but as here shown, this

able rails

2 and 2 The fixed rails l and I? .bulfing device is similar in all respects to the are laid ontie plates 3 and are securedto crossbumng device; shown and-described in Letters" ties 4 in the usual manner. The movable rails Patent of the United States No. 1,869,604, granted Zand 2 are fastenedtogether by a front rod to Williarn, C. McWhirter, August 2, 1932, for 50 5, a head rod ii, a bridle rod 7 and atie rod 8, Bufiing devices for railway switches and thelike. and may be moved into a normal or a reverse It is believed, therefore, that for purposes of the position by means of a switch operating mechpresent disclosure the following brief descripe anism B which is connected with the head rod 6 tion of thebufiing device D will suffice. This through the medium of anoperating rod 9 and bufllng; device includes in addition to the piston 55 26 is provided on its upper in suitable bearings rod IT, a cam shaft l8 extending into the case of the device and controlling a valve mechanism not shown. Attached to the outer end of the cam shaft I8 is a crank l9 which is connected by a link 20 with the spring rod M of the spring connecting rod C. If, when the

movable rails

2 and 2 of the switch A are in their normal positions, as shown in Fig. 1, they are moved to their reverse positions by the mechanism B, the piston rod will be moved into the device, and the cam shaft |8 will be rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed from the left in Fig. 1. The construction of the device is such that, under these conditions, the piston rod |I will be permitted to move with substantially no resistance, and the buffing device will therefore exert practically no retarding action on the movable rails. Conversely, if the movable rails are moved from their reverse positions to their normalpositions by the mechanism B, the piston rod will be moved outwardly and the cam shaft l8 will be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed from the left in Fig. 1, but due to the construction of the device no retarding action will again take place. .If, however, when the movable rails are in either extreme position, a train trails the switch, the cam shaft |8 will remain stationary, and, under these conditions, the action of the device is such that the movement of the movable rails away from the positions which they previously occupied will be unresisted by the bufling device, but that, when the movable rails are being. restored to the positions which they previously occupied by the spring l5 of the spring connecting rod C, the bufiing device will act to retard. this latter movemen The switch operating mechanism B is mounted onone end of a tie strap 2| which is secured to the outer side of the rail |,.and as best seen in v Fig. 4, this mechanism comprises a main casing 22 and an auxiliary casing 23 which is secured to the left-hand end of the main casing 22. The upper end of the main casing 22 is closed by a removable cover 24 while the upper end of the auxiliary casing is closed by a removable cover 25.=

Formed in the main casing 22 is an axially extending rectangular guideway 22 which slidably receives a motion plate 26. The motion plate face with rack teeth 21 and on its lower face with a cam slot 26 and is adapted .to be reciprocated between two extreme positions by means of a hand throw lever 30 fixed to asha'ft 3|. The shaft 3| is ioumalled 32 formed in the sides of thecasing 22, and has fixed thereto a-segment gear 33 which meshes with the rack teeth 21. As best seen in Fig. 3, the cam slot'28 is formed with a portion at each end which is parallel to the direction of movement of the motion plate, and

with an intermediate connecting portion which is disposed at an angle to the direction of movement of the motion plate. Extending into the cam slot 28 and cooperating therewith is a roller 34 which is mounted on a pin 35 secured to an arm 36 forming part of a crank 31. The crank 31 is journalled in a vertical bearing 38 provided in the bottom of the casing 22 and has fixed thereto, on the underside of the casing, a removable switch operating arm 39 which is pivotally attached to the free end of the connecting rod 9.

- Recip'rocably mounted in the casing 22 directly above the motion plate 26 is a locking device 40 comprising two parallel spaced end members 411* and 4|! secured together by means of two spaced bolt members 4|! and M The bolt member 4|] extends with considerable clearance through aligned holes 4| and 4| formed respectively in two

upstanding lugs

42 and 42 provided on the upper face of the motion plate 26, and has disposed thereon a coil spring 43. One end of this coil spring bears against an inwardly extending flange 44 forming part of a spring socket 45 which is slidably mounted in the hole 4| in the lug 42 and the other end of this spring bears against an inwardly extending annular flange 44 forming part of a spring socket 45 which is slidably mounted in the hole 4| in the lug 42 The bolt member 40 likewise extends with considerable clearance through "aligned holes 4| and 4| formed respectively in two

upstanding lugs

42 and 42 provided on the upper face of the motion plate 26, and has disposed thereon a coil spring 43 one end of which bears against an inwardly extending annular flange 44 forming part of a spring socket 45 which is slidably mounted in the hole 4|" in the lug 42, and the other end of which bears against an inwardly extending annular flange 44 forming part of a spring socket t which is slidably mounted in the hole 4| in the lug 42*. Each spring socket 45 is free to slide on the associated bolt member, and is provided at the end opposite to the inwardly extending annular flange, that is, at its open end, with an outwardly extending annular flange designated by the reference character 46 with the same distinguishing exponent as the exponent for the reference character of the associated spring socket. The outwardly extending annular flanges on the spring sockets cooperate with the associated lugs in a manner which will be made clear as the description proceeds.

Attached to the end member 4|) is an integral rectangular locking plunger 41. This locking plunger projects with some clearance into a longitudinally extending slot 48 formed in the lefthand end of the casing 22 and is provided with two locking dogs 4'! and 41 (see Fig. 4) The locking dog 41 cooperates with a pair of aligned notches 49 formed in a lock rod L which is slidably mounted in a transverse slot 50 provided in the casing 22, and the locking dog 41 likewise cooperates with a pair of aligned notches 5| formed in the lock rod L. As here shown, the lock rod L is of standard construction, and comprises two longitudinally

adjustable bars

52 and 53 attached at one end to the front rod 5 of the switch A in the usual and well-known manner.

'The notches 49 in the lock rod L are so disposed that these notches will align with the looking dog 41 when and only when the switch occu'pies its extreme normal position; and the parts are so proportioned that when the notches 49 are in alignment with the locking dog 41*, if the motion plate 26 then occupies its extreme left-hand position in which it is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the lugs 42 and 42' on the motion plate will engage the spring sockets 45 and 45 at the

flanges

46 and 46 and will thus exert a force on the locking device through the medium of the spring sockets 45 and 45, the springs 43* and 43 the spring sockets 45 and |5 and the end member 40, which force will move the locking device toward the left to a position in which the locking dog 41 enters the notches 49. thereby securely locking the switch in its normal position. Furthermore, the notches 5| in the lock rod L are so disposed that these notches will align with the locking dog-4'! when and only when the switch occupies itsextreme reverse position, and the parts are so proportioned that when the notches 5| are in alignment with the locking dog 47 if the motionplate then' occupies itsextreme right-hand position in which it is shown in Fig. 5, the lugs' l l and 42 will then' engage the spring sockets 45 and 45 'at the

flanges

46 and 46, andw'ill thus exert a force on the locking device through the medium of the spring sockets 45 j and 45*, the springs 43 and 43 the spring sockets 45 "an'd145 and the end member 40 whichforce will move the locking device toward the right to a position in which the locking dog 41 "The locking device 45, in addition to being operatively connected with the motion plate 26 by means of the lugs 42, the spring sockets 45 and the springs 43 in the-manner'just described,

I is operatively connected with the" previously described tie'rod 8 by will now describe. i As here shown, this linkage includes a plunger bolt 54 which extends with some clearance through .a centrally located hole 413 formed in the end member 40 of the locking device 40, and the head of which bolt cooperates with the left-hand side of the end member, as viewed in Figs. 3 and 4. The bolt 54 is relatively'long, and secured to the bolt a predetermined distance from its head is a collar 54 which cooperates with the right-hand end of the end member 49 in a manner which will be described hereinafter. The threaded end of the plunger bolt 54 is adjustably connected by means of a turnbuckle 55 (seefFig. 1) with one end of a link 56, the opposite end of which link is pivotally connected with the long arm 51 of a bell crank lever 51-. The bellcrank 1ever-5l is pivotally supported in a crank stand 58, and has its short arm 51 pivotally connected with one end of an operating rod 59. The other end of the operating rod 59 is connected with the previously described tie rod 8 by means of a'standard switch basket 50'.

means; of linkage which I For reasons which will be made clear-as the description proceeds, the extreme position to which the locking device 40 is movable, when the notches 49 in the lock rod L are in alignment With, the locking dog 4'! and the motion plate 2B occupies its extreme left-hand position is beyond the desired locking position, and the linkage connecting the locking device with the tie rod 8 is so adjusted that when the switch occupies its extreme normal position, the head of the plunger bolt 54 will engage the end member 40 of the locking device'and Will'prevent thelocking device from moving beyondthe desired locking position, which position I will term its normal locking position. Likewise, the ex treme position to which the locking device 40' is movable, when the notches 5! in the lock rod L are in alignment with the locking dog 41* and the motion plate 26 occupies its right hand extreme position, is beyond the desired lockingposition under these latter conditions, and the collar 54 is so positioned onthe plunger bolt 54 that when the switch occupies its extreme'reverse position,

' the collar 54* will engage theend member lll of the locking device and will prevent thelocking device from moving beyond the desired locking position, the desired lockingposition Lmder these latter conditions hereinafter being referred to as the reverse locking position.' l V The tie .rod 8,may be located at any suitable location, but willpreferably be located approx enters the notches 5 I tions in which the flanges im'ately: half way between the heel and the point of the switch. The base SI of the crankstand 58' is'secured to a gage plate 62 which, in turn,

is secured to the tie strap 2| 'upon which the mechanism B is mounted, and it will be apparent, therefore, that any loss of adjustment between the parts due to creepage of the ties is prevented. The operation, as a whole, of the portion of theapparatus thus far described is as follows: When the hand throw lever 30 occupies the extreme position in which it is shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the'motion plate 26 is held in its extreme left-hand or normal position as viewed in Figs. 3 and 4, and the roller 34 on the crank 31 then occupies the right-hand end of the cam slot 28 inthe motion plate, so that the crank 3? is held at the extreme end of its stroke in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 3.v When the crank 31 occupies this extreme position, a force isexerted on the

movable rails

2 and 2 of the switch through the medium of the operating rod 9, spring rod l4, nut [4 sleeve l3, spring l5, housing l9 and the head rod 6, which force holds the movable rails in their normal extreme positions in which they are shown in Fig.1. When the movable rails are in their normal positions, the notches 49in the lock rod L align withthe locking dog 41*, and the locking device 4!! is therefore moved by the biasing springs 43 to its normal? locking position in which the locking dog' ll partly enters the registering notches 49, thus securely locking the movable rails of the switch in their normal positions.

When it is desired to reverse the switch, the hand throw lever 30 is rotated from the extreme position in which it is shown in Fig. 3,'to the extreme position in which it is shown in Fig.5. This'movement of the lever 30 causes the motion plate 26 to move from itsextreme left-hand position to its extreme right-hand position. At the beginning of this movement, due to the fact that when the switch occupies its normal position, the locking device 413 is prevented from moving to its extreme left-hand position by the linkage which connects the locking device with the tie rod 8, the

flanges

44 and 44 on the closed ends of the spring sockets 55 and 45 are in-engagement with the end member til of the locking device 4B, andthe

flanges

46 and 46 on the open ends of these spring sockets are spaced some distance to the right of the lugs- 52 and 42 on the motion plate 26, while the flanges 4t and ie on the openends of the spring sockets 45 and 45 are in engagement with the

lugs

42 and 42 and the

flanges

44 and 44 on the closed ends of these spring sockets are spaced the same distance from the end member 46 that the flanges 45 and 45* are spaced to the right of the

lugs

42 and 42." It will be seen, therefore, that" during that part of the movement of the motion plate toward the right which is necessary to move the

lugs

42 and 42 on the motion plate into engagement with the

flanges

46 and 46, the l springs 43 and 43* will move the spring sockets 45 and 45F toward the right to the posi- 44 and44 on these spring sockets engage the end member 48 but no movement of the locking device tic-will take place. As soon, however, as the lugs42 and 42 have moved into engagement with-the flanges 46F and 46 on the spring sockets 45* and 45, any further movement of the motion platewill cause the locking device to move with the motion plate, and as a result, as the motion plate continues to move,the locking dog l! will be withdrawn from 4 the notches 49 in the lock rod L, thus unlocking the switch. The parts are'so proportioned that while the locking dog 41 is being withdrawn from engagement with the notches 49 in the lock rod L, the cam slot 28 in the motion plate 26 will continue to engage the roller 34 on the crank 31 at that portion of the right hand end of the cam slot which is parallel to the direction of movement of the motion plate, and as long as this portion of the slot is engaging the roller, the crank 31 will remain stationary. It follows, therefore, that during that portion of the movement of the motion plate which is necessary to unlock the movable rails of the switch, no force is exerted on these rails tending to reverse them. As soon, however, as this part of the movement of the motion plate has been completed, the roller 34 is then engaged by the curved portion of the cam slot 28 which causes the crank 31 to be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, and as a result, the movable rails are then moved to their reverse positions. As previously pointed out, when the movable rails are moved to their reverse positions by the mechanism B, the piston rod l1 of the buffing device D is moved into the device, and the cam shaft I8 is rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed from the left in Fig. l, but due to the construction of this device, the device offers substantially no resistance to the movement of the movable rails under these conditions. It should be noted that as long as the movable rails remain stationary, the plunger bolt 54 remains fixed, so that during that part of the movement of the motion plate necessary to unlock the switch, the end member 40 of the locking device 40 will move out of engagement with the head of the plunger bolt. As soon as the movable rails have started to move, however, the resultant movement of the tie rod 8 acting through the switch basket 60, operating rod 53, bell crank lever 51 and link 56 will cause the motion plate 54 to move in the same direction as the plunger bolt is moving, although the time of motion and rate of motion of the plunger bolt will bear no direct relation to the movement of the motion plate. As soon as the movable rails have been moved to their full reverse positions, the cam slot 28 then engages the roller 34 at that portion of the slot at its left-hand end which is parallel to the direction of movement of the motion plate, and no further movement of the crank 31 takes place. The movement of the movable rails to their reverse positions, of course, moves the lock rod L upwardly as viewed in Fig. l to the position in which the notches in the lock rod align with the locking dog 41*, and as the motion plate continues its movement, the looking dog 41 enters the notches 5|, thus locking the switch in its reverse position. Shortly before the motion plate reaches the end of its stroke, the end member 40 moves into engagement with the collar 54 on the plunger bolt 54, which stops the locking device in its reverse locking position, and during the balance of the movement of the motion plate, the springs 43 and 43 become compressed, the parts finally assuming the positions in which they are shown in Fig. 5.

In order to restore the movable rails totheir normal positions after they have been reversed as above described, the lever 30 is restored to the position in which it is shown in Fig. 3. The subsequent movements of the parts, under these conditions, are just the reverse of those described above, and his believed, therefore, that the operation of the apparatus under these conditions will be readily understood from the foregoing and from an inspection of the drawings without further description.

I will now assume that the parts are in their normal positions, as shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 4, and that a train trails the switch. As the leading wheels of the train roll along the fixed rail I and the movable rail 2, the

movable rails

2 and 2 are forced over laterally, but, before a sufficient force is developed to overcome the opposing force of the spring 15 of the spring connecting rod C and cause the point of the movable rail 2 to move out of engagement with fixed rail I, the movable rails, being somewhat resilient, become bent, so that with the usual standard split switch, the tie rod 8 is moved upwardly, as viewed in Fig. l, three-quarters of an inch or more. This movement of the tie rod 8 acting through the switch basket 60, operating rod 59, bell crank lever 51, link 56 and plunger bolt 54 moves the locking device 40 in opposition to the bias of the springs 43 a sufficient amount to withdraw the locking dog 41 completely out of engagement with the notches 49 in the lock rod L, thus unlocking the switch. As a result, when the leading wheels have reached the position in which a sufficient force is developed to cause the point of the movable rail 2 to move out of engagement with the fixed rail I, the movable rails will be unlocked, and these rails will therefore be forced open by the wheels in exactly the same manner as would be the case if no point lock were provided, and the buffing device D will perform its usual function of preventing the rails from snapping back after the passage of the wheels through them. After the train which is trailing the switch has completely passed the switch, the movable rails will slowly return to their normal positions under the bias of the spring l5 of the spring connecting rod C, and against the retarding force of the buffing device D. During this return movement of the movable rails there will be no deflection of these rails, and the locking dog 41 will be moved into engagement with the lock rod L before the movable rails have reached their full normal positions in which the lock rod is in the proper position for the notches 49 therein to receive the locking dog. The springs 43 will therefore become compressed and will urge the locking dog 41 into engagement with the side of the lock rod until the notches 49 move into alignment with the locking dog, at which time the energy stored in the compressed springs 43 will force the locking dog into place in the notches, thus restoring the switch to its normal locked condition.

When the parts occupy their reverse positions and a train trails the switch, the lateral bending of the movable rails which takes place before a sufilclent force is developed at the points of these rails to overcome the opposing force of the spring I5 of the spring connecting rod C and cause the movable rail 2 to move out of engagement with the fixed rail l will cause the tie rod 8 to move downwardly, and this movement of the tie rod will act through the switch basket 60, operating rod 59, bell crank lever 51, link 56, the shank of the plunger bolt 54, and the collar 54 on the plunger bolt 54 to move the locking device 40 toward the left in opposition to the bias of the springs 43 far enough to withdraw the locking dog 41 out of engagement with the notches 5| in the lock rod, thus unlocking the switch. After the movable rails of the switch 2,007,673: become unlocked *inthis'manner, they will be? forced away from their reverse positions bythe wheels of the train in the same manner as if no point lock were provided and will be prevented from snapping back between the passage of the successive wheels of-the train by the buffingde vice D. When the train has completely passed the switch, the spring connecting rod will slow-q ly return the rails to, their reverse positions, thus restoring the lock rodL to the position in which the notches i align with the'locking dog N and hence permitting the springs 43 to restore the locking device to its reverse locking the locking dog 41 re-enters the'notches 5i and relocks the rails in their reverse positions.

During a facing point move over the switch,

there is no lateral thrust on the movable rails, corresponding to, or commensurate with, that which occurs during a trailing move, and what lateral.

thrust there is will be in the direction to permit the springs it to move the locking device 40 further toward the extreme position to which it is biased by-the springs at the time the facing point move occurs. It'should be particularly pointed out that it the switch be moved, due to its connection with the tie rod 8, will be less than the distance the locking device is moved when the switch is moved from either extreme position to the other by the hand lever 30 by an amount which is equal to the distance the end member ltb of thelocking device can move on the plunger bolt 54 between the head of the plunger bolt and the collar 54 and the parts are so proportioned that the distance the end memberell can move in the plunger bolt is equal to nearly half of the total movement of the looking device. It will be seen, therefore,- that if a trailing train moves the switch from either extremeposition to the other, the locking dog which was previously out of locking engagement with the lock rod will not be moved far enough to cause it to engage the lock rod, and as a, resultit is impossible for the switch to become locked in an extreme trailed position. In otherwords, with apparatus embodying my invention, the switch will only become locked when the position of the switch and the switch operating mechanism Bcorrespond.

It will be/noted that when the parts are} in either of their two extreme positions, the reaction of the biasing springs fiS'is' transmited through the rack teeth 2i and segment gear 33 to the hand throw lever 39, which reaction tends to raise this lever. This lever, however, is so designed that it has sufficient weight to resist and overcome this reaction. Furthermore, if it is undesirable for any reason to provide the lever 30 with sufiicient weight to overcome the reaction of the springs 43, this lever may be held down by conventional lever latch stands in a well known manner.

The apparatus will usually also be provided with a circuit controller (not shown) including means for indicating when the locking device 40 is in its proper locking position for either facing point or trailing moves over the switch in bothextreme positions of the switch, and meansfor indi eating when thernovable rail, which should be in closeengagement with the associated fixed rail in either extreme position of the switch, is in proper engagement with such fixed-rail. This circuit.

controller is intended to be located inthe casing 23 of the mechanismand may be of any suitable type.. One type of circuit controller which can be, used is shown and described in my copending application for Letters Patent of the United States Serial No. 665,914, filed on April 13, 1933, for Railway switch operating apparatus, the only change which needbe made in this circuit controller being the-substitution of themotion plate 63 shown attached to the upper face of the locking device 41 in Figs. 3 and 5, for the motion plate 68 shownin my copendingapplication. The reason why it is desirable to substitute the motion plate 65 for the motion plate 68 is that it is essential, with the apparatus constructed as shown, to be sure that the linkage connecting, the tie rod 8 with the locking devicehas not gotten out of adjustment and permitted the biasing springs 43 to drive the locking ,device. 40 past its normal locking position in the normal position of, the switch or past its reverse locking: position in the reverse position of the switch, and the motion plate 68 is not properly shaped to give the desired indication, whereas the motion plate .63 is so shaped. With the, motion plate 63 constructed as shown, when the locking device 40 occupies its normal locking position, a first spring biased roller, not shown, enters the notch'b and a second spring biased roller rides up onto the outer surface of the motion plate at point a and under'these' conditions, the normal I of the circuit controller are closed. .When, however, the locking device is moved toward theright as viewed in Fig. 1,' to withdraw the locking dog 47 from the notches 49 in the lock rod L and unlock the switch,.the first roller is .forced out of D and the second roller moves oiT of the outer surface of the motion plate at point a and enters indication contacts will move out of notch b and enter the notch 13* The notches'b fand 'b are the same depth, and the notches (l and a are also the same depth, and it followsthatwith the motion plate constructed as shown, movement of the motion plate past its will open the normal indication contacts in thesame manner as these opened when the locking device is withdrawn from its- When the locking device 40 occupies its reverse position, the first roller rides up'onto the outer surface of themotionp-late at point 19 and. the second roller enters notch 11 thus closing the reverse indication contacts. of the circuit controller. Movement, of the locking device toward the left from'itsreverse locking position to unlock the switch will cause the first roller to move into notch b and the second roller to move into notch a while movement of the motion plate toward the right past its reverse locking position will cause the first roller to enter notch b and the second roller to enter notch a The notches b and b the reverse indication contacts. a

Referring now .to Fig. 6 I have here shown another form. of apparatus for looking ,a spring switch in either extreme position in such manner notch b and enters notch.

normal. locking position.

, hand end of the locking plunger 88.

that the switch will become unlocked when a train trails the switch by means mechanically actuated by the train. As here shown, the switch A, spring connecting rod 0, and butting device D are the same as is shown in Fig. l. The spring 'od I4 of the spring connecting rod C, however, instead of being connected with the switch operating arm 39 of the switch operating mechanism B in the manner shown in Fig. l, is connected, by means of a pipe line 85, with a lever E located in a tower T. The lever E is movable between a normal position n in which it is shown in the drawings, and a reverse position 1' indicated by dotted lines in the drawings, and the parts are so proportioned that the switch will be moved to its normal or its reverse position according as the lever E occupies its normal or its reverse position.

Associated with the switch A is a lock mechanism B comprising two locking plungers 66* and 66". As here shown, these locking plungers are mounted in fixed guideways 61' and 61, respectively, and are biased to the right by means of springs 88' and 88". One end of spring 6|! abuts against the guideway 61' and the other end abuts against a collar 89" which, in turn, abuts against a shoulder 10 formed by a locking dog 1| which is provided on the left-hand end of the locking plunger 66. In a similar manner, one end'ot spring 68 abuts against the guideway 61 and the other end abuts against a collar 69 which, in turn, abuts against a shoulder 10' formed by a locking dog 1| which is provided on the left- The righthand end of the locking plunger 86 is formed with an integral cross bar 12 and provided in this cross bar on opposite sides of the plunger are two

holes

13 and 14 which slidably receive plunger bolts 15 and 18 respectively. The right-hand end of the locking plunger 86 is likewise formed with an integral cross bar 12 having two

holes

13 and 14 extending therethrough, which holes slidably receive two plunger bolts 15 and 16 A T-crank lever 11 is pivotally supported at point 18, and one arm 11 of this lever is operatively connected with the plunger bolt 15 by means of a link 80, while the opposite arm 11 of this lever is operatively connected with the plunger bolt 1.") by means of a link 80 The remaining arm 11 of the lever 11 is operatively connected with the tie rod 8 by means of the operating rod 59 and switch basket 60. The plunger bolt 16 is operatively connected, by means of a link 82, with one arm 8 I of a bell crank lever 8|, and the plunger bolt 18 is operatively connected, by means of a link 82 with one arm 83' of a bell crank lever 83. The two levers II and 88 are pivotally supported at points 84 and 85, respectively, and the remaining arms 8| and 83 of these levers are each pivotally connected, by means of a pipe line 81, with a lever E located in the tower T. The a normal position n and a reverse position 1' and is adapted to be interlocked with thelever E in accordance with the customary practice in such manner that lever E can not be moved from either position to the other position unless lever E occupies its n position. The lockings dogs 1| and 1| cooperate with

notches

49 and 51 in a lock rod L the notches 49 being so arranged that these notches will align with the locking dog 1| when and only when the switch occupies its reverse position, and the notches being so arranged that these notches will align with the lever F is movable between locking'dog 1| when and only when the switch occupies its normal position.

With the apparatus constructed as shown in Fig. 6, when the switch occupies its normal position, the lever E occupies its normal position and the lever 13 its reverse position, and under these conditions, the locking plunger 66 is held, by means of the associated spring 68 in its locking position in which the locking dog 1l enters the notches 5| in the lock rod L while the locking plunger 66 is held by means of the plunger bolt 15* and link 8|! in an unlocking position in which the locking dog 1| is out of engagement with the notches 49 in the rock rod L When it is desired to move the switch from its normal position to its reverse position, lever E is first moved from its reverse position 1 to its normal position n, then lever E is moved from its normal position n to its reverse position 1, and finally lever E is restored to its reverse position 1. The movement of lever E. from its reverse position to its normal position acts through the pipe line 81 and associated linkage to move the locking plunger 66 from its locking position to an unlocking position, thereby unlocking the switch, while the movement of lever E from its normal position to its reverse position moves the movable rails of the switch from their normal positions to their reverse positions in the manner previously described. As the movable rails of the switch move to their reverse positions, the resultant upward movement of tie rod 8 rotates T-crank lever 11 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 6, to an extreme position opposite to that in which it is shown in the drawings, and as a result, when lever E is finally restored to its reverse position, the biasing spring I58 associated with the locking plunger I56 moves the locking plunger 68 to its locking position in which the locking dog 1| enters the notches 451 in the lock rod L1, thereby locking the switch in its reverse position, while the locking plunger 66* is prevented from moving to its locking position by virtue of the plunger bolt 15 and link 80*, as will readily be understood by an inspection of the drawings.

In order to restore the switch to its normal position after it has been moved to its reverse position in the manner just described, lever E is first moved from its normal position to its reverse position, then lever E is moved from its reverse position to its normal position, and finally, lever E is restored to its reverse position. The subsequent movements of the parts under these conditions is just the reverse of those described above and will be readily understood from an inspection of the drawings without further description.

When the switch occupies its normal position and a train trails the switch, the lateral bending of the movable rails which takes place before the closed point of these rails opens, moves the tie rod 8 upwardly in the same manner as was previously described in connection with Fig. 1, and this motion acts through the T-crank lever 11, link 88 and plunger bolt 15 to move the locking plunger 66 from its locking position to its unlocking position, thereby unlocking the switch. The corresponding and opposite motion of the link till and plunger bolt 15 will allow the spring 68 to move the locking plunger (i6 toward its locking position, and when the switch is in its extreme trailed position, the end of locking dog 1| will be held in engagement with the side of lock rod L by means of the associated spring 68'. After the train has completely trailed the of upwardly. As a result, under the T-crank lever ii will be rotated in a clockwill act through made thereinwithin the locking said switch in such 2,007,673 switch, the movable 'rails of the switch will be,

restored to their normal positions by the spring connecting rod C, and this return movement will act through the tie rod 8, switch basket 60, and operating rod 553 to restoreithe T-crank lever H to. its normal position in which it is shown in the drawings, thereby restoring 'thellocking plunger 65 to its unlocking position, and at the same time permitting the spring 68 to return the looking plunger i'iii to its locking position, thus relocking'the switch in its normal position.

If,.while the. switchis being trailed from its normal position the movable rails of the switch were moved to their full reverse positions, the locking dog i i on looking. plungeriiB might snap into the notches "29 in lock rod L However, this does not occur except" trailing to bring the with the locking dog the switch, the movable much the same manner pies its switch, rection tion and is locked in this position, a train trails.

rails will become bent in as when the switch occuncrmal position and a train trails the but this bending will now be inthe dito move the tie rod 8 downwardly instead these conditions,

wisedirection and this rotation the link 8th and plunger bolt l5 -to move the locking plunger -66 from its'locking position to its unlocking position, thereby unlocking the switch. This rotation of theT-crank lever 11 will also'permit' the biasing spring 68* to move the locking plunger 65 a certain amount'toward its locking position. After the switch becomes unlocked, the movable rails are forced over in the same manner as vided. When the trailing train-has completely passed the switch, the movable rails are restored to their reverse positions bythe spring connecting rod C in the usual manner,"thereby restoring T-crank lever 'i'! to its reverseposition, and hence permitting locking plunger '65 to return to its locking position in which the locking dog H reenters the notches 49 in the lock rod L the locking plunger 56 has b-een'restored to its locking position, all

parts are'then restored to the positions which they occupied before the train started to trail the switch.

Although I have herein shown and described only two forms oi railway switch operatingapparatus embodying my invention, it is understood that various changes and modifications -may be scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of'my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In combination, a spring switch, means for moving said switch between its two extreme positions, lock mechanism effective when said switch is moved to either extreme position for said lock mechanism and approaches said switch in either extreme position of ing said lock mechanism the switch for actuate under unusual circu1nstances'because the movable rails are not forced first notch, means if no point lock were'pr When and extending intosaid casing to unlock the switch until after the train has completely passed the switch.

2. In combination with a railway switch, a spring connecting rod connected with the movable 'rails of said switch, manually operable meanswconnected withsaid connecting rod for moving said switch between its two extreme positions, lock mechanism for said switch effective when said switch is moved to either extreme position for locking said switch in such extreme position, a tie rod connecting, the movable rails of said switch; at apoint between the heel and the point of ,the switch, and means for connecting said lock mechanism with said tie rod in such manner that when a train trails said switch the lateral bending placebefore a suflicient force is developed at the points of the movable rails to overcome the opposing force of the spring in said spring connecting rod will actuate said lock mechanism to unlock said switch until aiter the train has completely passed the switch.

' 3, In combination, a railway switch, means for moving said switch between its two extreme positions, a first and a second locking dog, a lock rod secured to the movable rails of said switch and provided with a first notch which aligns with said first locking dog when and only when said switch occupies its normal position and with a second notch which aligns with said second locking dog when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position, means eifective when said switch occupies its normal position for biasing said first locking dog to a position in which it enters said,

effective when said switch .occupics its reverse position for biasing said second locking dog to a position in which it enters said second notch, and means mechanically actuated by a train approaching said switch ina trailing direction in either extreme position of the switch for moving'the dog whicliis then in the associated notch in said lock rod to a position in which it is withdrawn from the associated notch until after the. train is completely past the switch. 4;In' combination, a railway switch, an operatingmechanism for said switch comprising a casing, a motion plate mounted in said casing for reciprocation between two extreme positions,

means for reciprocating said motion plate be'-' in such mannerthat movement of said motion plate from its one extreme position to its other extreme position will move said switch from its normal position to its reverse position and vice versa, a locking device reciprocably mounted in said casing and operatively connected with said motion plate by means including a spring in such manner that said locking device will be biased to one'extreme position or another extreme position according as said motion plate is moved to its one extremeposition or its other extreme position, a locking plunger secured to said looking I device and provided with two locking dogs, a lock rod secured to the mo vable rails of said switch and provided with looking dogs when the switch occupies its normal position and said locking device is moved toward its one extremeposition and with another notch which. is adapted to receive the other locking dog when the switch occupies its reverse position and said locking device is moved toward its other extreme position, and means mechanically actuated by the wheels of a train when a train trails the switch in either extreme position or the switch for actuating said locking device to withdraw the locking dog which is then in the associated notch in the lock rod from the associated notch to unlock the switch until after the train has completely passed the switch.

5. In combination, a railway switch, an operating mechanism for said switch comprising a casing, a motion plate mounted in said casing for reciprocation between two extreme positions, means forreciprocating said motion plate between its two extreme positions, means including a spring connecting rod for operatively connecting said motion plate with said movable rails in such manner that movement of said motion plate from its one extreme position to its other extreme position will move said switch from its normal position to its reverse position and vice versa, a locking device reciprocably mounted in said casing and operatively connected with said motion plate by means including a spring in such manner that said locking device will be biased to one extreme position or another extreme position according as said motion plate is moved to its one extreme position of its other extreme position, a locking plunger secured to said locking device and provided with two locking dogs, a lock rod secured to the movable rails of said switch and extending into said casing and provided with one notch which is adapted to receive one of said locking dogs when the switch occupies its normal position and said locking device is moved toward its one extreme position and with another notch which is adapted to receive the other locking dog when the switchoccupies its reverse position and said locking device is moved toward its other extreme position, a tie rod connecting the movable rails of the switch at a point between the heel and the point of the switch, and linkage connecting said tie rod and said locking device and effective when a train trails the switch in either extreme position of the switch for actuating said locking device to withdraw the locking dog which is then in the associated notch in the lock rod from the associated notch to unlock the switch until after the train has completely passed the switch.

6 In combination, a railway switch, an operating mechanism for said switch comprising a casing, a motion plate mounted in said casing for reciprocation between two extreme positions, means for reciprocating said motion plate between its two extreme positions, means including a spring connecting rod for operatively connecting said motion plate with said movable rails in such manner that movement of said motion plate from its one extreme position to its other extreme position will move said switch from its normal position to its reverse position and vice-versa, a locking device reciprocably mounted in said casing and operatively connected with said motion plate by means including a spring in such manner that said locking device will be biased to one extreme position or another extreme position according as said motion plate is moved to its one extreme position or its other extreme position, a locking plunger secured to said locking device and provided with two locking dogs, a lock rod secured to the movable rails of said switch and extending into said casing and provided with one notch which is adapted to receive one ofsaid locking dogs when and only when the switch occupies its normal position to lock the switch in its normal position and with another notch which is adapted to receive the other locking dog when and only when the switch occupies its reverse position to lock the switch in its reverse position, the parts being so proportioned that when said one locking dog is within said one notch it will move past a desired locking position if it is then permitted to move to its one extreme position and that when said other locking dog is within said other notch it will move past a desired locking position if it is then permitted to move to its other extreme position, a tie rod connecting the movable rails of said switch at a point between the heel and the point of the switch, linkage connecting said locking device and said tie rod so constructed that when said switch occupies its normal position said linkage will prevent said locking device from being moved by said spring past the desired locking position in said one notch and that when said switch occupies its normal position and a train trails the switch said linkage will move said locking device to a position in which said one locking dog is withdrawn from said one notch until after the train is completely past the switch, said linkage being further so constructed that when said switch occupies its reverse position said linkage will prevent said locking device from being moved by said spring past the desired locking position in said other notch and that when said switch occupies its reverse position and a train trails the switch said linkage will move said locking device to a position in which said other locking dog is withdrawn from said other notch until after the train is completely past the switch, and means secured to said locking plunger for actuating a circuit controller to indicate when said two locking dogs occupy the desired locking positions.

'7. In combination, a railway switch, an operating mechanism for said switch comprising a casing, a motion plate mounted in said casing for reciprocation between two extreme positions, means for reciprocating said motion plate between its two extreme positions, means including a spring connecting rod for operatively connecting said motion plate with the movable rails of said switch in such manner that movement of said motion plate from its one extreme position to its other extreme position will move said switch from its normal position to its reverse position and vice-versa, a lock rod secured to the movable rails of said switch and extending into said casing and provided with two notches, locking device slidably mounted in said casing above said motion plate, said locking device comprising two spaced end members connected together by two spaced parallel bolt members, one of said end members being provided with a hole, a locking plunger secured to the other end member and provided with two locking dogs one oi. which is adapted to enter one of said notches in said lock rod when and only when the switch occupies its normal position and the other of which is adapted to enter the other notch in said lock rod when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position, two pairs of lugs on said motion plate, the one pair being provided with aligned holes which receive one of said bolt members with considerable clearance and the other pair of lugs being provided with aligned holes which receive the other bolt member with considerable clearance, two springs one surrounding each of said bolt members, four spring sockets one slidably mounted in the hole in each of said lugs and each provided at one end with an inwardly extending annular flange which engages the adjacent-end of thespring on the associated bolt memberand at the other end withan out wardly extending annular flange which cooperates-with the associated lug, each said spring socket being free to slide: on the associated bolt v member, a plunger bolt extending through the hole in said one end memberwith some clearance and providedatits inner end with a head which is larger than said hole, a collar secured to said plunger bolt on the opposite side of said end member from said head a spaceddistance from said head, a tie rod'connecting the movnotch but is prevented from desired looking position by engagement-of said one end member withthe head-oi said'plunger bolt and that when said switch occupies itsother extreme position said locking device is-biased by said-springs to a position in, which said other locking dog is moved past a desired locking position within said other notch but is prevented from movingpast this desired locking ,position by engagement of said one end member with said collar.- i i 82" In combination, a railway switch, an operating mechanism for said switch comprising ,a casing-,. a motion plate mounted in said casing for reciprocation between two extreme positions, means for reciprocating said motion plate "between its two 'extreme positions, means including aspring connecting'rod for operatively connectingsaid motion-plate with the movable rails of said-switch such manner that movement of'said motionplate from its one extreme posi-: tion to its other extreme position will move said switch from" its normal position to its reverse position and vice-versa, a lock rod secured-to the movable rails-of said-switch and extending into said casing and provided with two notches, a locking deviceslidably mounted in said casing above said motion plate, said locking device B01111 prising. two spaced end members .connectedvtoe gether by two spaced parallel bolt members, one of said end members being provided with'a bole; ajlocking plunger secured to theother end mem-- ber andprovided'with two locking dogs one. of which is adapted to enter one of said notches .in said lockrcd when and'only when the switch occupies-its normal position and the other of. which-is adapted to enter the other notch in said lock rod when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position, two pairs of lugs on said motion plate, the one pair being provided with aligned holes which'receive oneof said bolt, members. with considerable clearance and'the other pair of lugs being provided with aligned holes which receive the other bolt member with'considerable clearance, two springs one surrounding each of said" bolt members-four spring sockets one s'lidably mounted in the hole in each of said lugs and eachprovided at one end with" an inwardly extending annular flange which engages the adjacent end of the springon the associated bolt member and at theother end with" an outwardly extending annular flange which cooperates with the associated lug, each said spring socket vbeing free; to slide' 'on J the associated bolt member, a iplung erbolt exon the opposite side of said end member from said ead a spaced distance from said head, a

tie rod connecting the movable rails of said switch said lockrod before the movable rails start to move. I 5,9. In combination, arailway switch, an operating mechanism forsaid switch comprising a casnormal position to its reverse position and viceversa; alock rod secured to the movable rails of said switch and extending into said casing and provided with two'notches, a locking device slidablymounted in said casingabove saidmotion plate, said locking'device comprising two spaced end' members connected together'by two spaced when said switch occupies its reverse position, two' pair of lugs on said motion plate, the one pair being provided with aligned holes which receive one of said bolt members with considerable clearance and the other pair of lugs being provided with aligned holes which receive the other bolt member with considerable clearance, two

springs one surrounding each of said bolt members, four springsockets one slidably mounted in each ofsaid holes and each provided at one end with an inwardly extending annular flange which engagestheadjacent end of the spring on the associated bolt member and-at the other end with an outwardly extending annular flange which cooperates with the associated lug, each said spring socket being free to slide on the associated bolt member, a plunger bolt extending through the hole insaid one end member with some clearance and provided at its inner end with a head which is larger than said hole, a collar secured to said plunger bolt on the opposite side of said end member from said head a spaced distance from said head, a tie rod connecting the movable rails of said switch at a point approximately midway between the heel and the point of the switch, and linkage connecting said tie rod and said plunger bolt, the parts being so proportioned that when said motion plate occupies its one extreme position said locking device is biased by said springs to a position in which said one locking dog is moved past a desired locking position withinsaid one notch but is prevented by engagement of said one end member with the head of said plunger bolt from moving past the position in which said one looking dog occupies the desired locking position and that when the switch occupies its normal position and a train trails the switch said linkage will move said locking device from the position in which said one locking dog occupies the desired locking position to a position in which said one looking dog is withdrawn from said one notch, the parts being further so proportioned that when said switch occupies its other extreme position said locking device is biased by said springs to a position in which said other locking dog is moved past a desired locking position within said other notch but is prevented by engagement of said one .end member with said collar from moving past the position in which said other dog occupies the desired locking position and that when the switch occupies its reverse position and a .train trails the switch said linkage will act through said collar to move said locking device from the position in which saidother looking dog occupies the desired locking position to a position in whichsaid other locking dog is withdrawn from said other notch.

10. Incombination, a railway switch, an operating mechanism for said switch comprising a casing, a motion plate mounted in said casing for reciprocation between two extreme positions, means for reciprocating said motion .plate between its two extreme positions, means including a spring connecting rod for operatively connecting said motion plate with the movable rails of said switch in such manner that movement of said motion plate from its one extreme position to its other extreme position will move said switch from its normal position .to its reverse position and vice-versa, a lock rod secured to the movable rails of said switch and extending into saidcasing and provided with two notches, a lockingdevice slidably mounted in said casing above said motion plate, said locking device comprising two spaced end members connected together by two spaced parallel bolt members, one of said end members being provided with a :hole, a locking plunger secured to the other end member and provided with two locking dogs one of which is adapted to enter one of said notches in said lock rod when and only when the switch occupies its normal position and the other of which is adapted to enter the other notch in saidlock rod when and only when said switch occupies its reverse position, two pairs of lugs on said motion plate, the one pair being provided with aligned holes which receive one of said bolt members with considerable clearance and the other pairoi lugs .be

ing provided with aligned holes which receive the other bolt member with considerable clearance, two springs one surrounding each of said bolt members, four spring sockets one slidably mounted in each of said holes and each provided at one end with an inwardly extending annular flange which engages the adjacent end of the spring on the associated bolt member and at the other end with an outwardly extending annular flange which cooperates with the associated lug, each said spring socket being free to slide on the associated bolt member, a plunger bolt extending through the hole in said one end member with some clearance and provided at its inner end with a head which is larger than said hole, a collar secured to said plunger bolt on the opposite side of said end member from said head a spaced distance from said head, a tie rod connecting the movable rails of said switch at a point approximately midway between of the switch, and linkage connecting said tie rod and said plunger bolt the parts being so proportioned that when said motion plate occupies its one extreme position said locking device is biased by said springs to a position in which said one locking dog is moved past a desired locking position within said one notch but is prevented by engagement of said one end member with the head of said plunger bolt from moving past the desired locking position and that when the switch occupies its normal position and a train trails the switch said linkage will move said locking device from the position in which said one looking dog occupies the desired locking position to a position in which said one locking dog is withdrawn from said one notch, the parts being further so proportioned that when said switch occupies its other extreme position said locking device is biased by said springs to a position in which said other locking dog is moved past a desired locking position within said other notch but is prevented by engagement of said one end member with said collar from moving past the desired locking position and that when the switch occupies its reverse position and a train trails the switch said linkage will act through said collar to move said locking device from the position in which said other locking dog occupies the desired lockingposition to a position in w ch said other locking dog is withdrawn from said other notch, the parts being still further so proportioned that when said motion plate is moved from either extreme position to the other extreme position said lugs will cooperate with said spring sockets toexert a force on said motion plate through the medium of said springs in such manner that said locking device will be moved to a position in which both locking dogs .areout of engagement with the associated notches in said lock rod before the movable rails start to move.

11. In combination, a railway switch, means including a spring connecting rod for moving said switch between its two extreme positions, two locking plungers each biased to a lockng position andeach provided at one end with a looking dog, a lock rod secured to the movable rails of said switch and provided with two notches, one of which receives the one looking dog when the switch occupies its normal position and the one looking plunger occupies its locking position and theother of which receives the other locking dog when the switch occupies its reverse position and the other locking plungeroccupies its locking position, a tie rod connecting the movable rails of the switch at =apointapproximately midway bethe heel and the point tween the heel and the point of the switch, means for connecting both said locking plungers with said tie rodin such manner that saidone or said other locking plunger will be prevented from moving to its locking position according as said Switch occupies its reverseor its normal position and that when said switch occupies either extreme position and a train trails the switch the locking plunger which then occupies its locking position will be moved to an unlocking position, and other means for moving both said plungers from their locking positions to their unlocking positions. V

l2.' In combination, a railway switch, a first manually operable lever movable between anormal and a reverse position, means including a spring connecting rod and a pipeline for conneoting said first lever with'the movable rails of said switch in such manner that said switch will 20 be moved to its normal or its reverse position according'as saidlever occupies its normal or its reverse position,'a first locking plunger biased to a locking position and provided with a first looking dog, a second locking plunger biased to a locking position and provided with a second locking dog, a lock rod secured tothe movable rails of said switch to move therewith and provided with a first notch which is'adapted to receive said first locking dog when said switch occupies its normal position and said first locking plunger occupies its locking position and with a second notch which is adapted to receive said second locking dog when said switch occupies its locking position and said second locking plunger occupies its looking position, a first cross bar formed on said first locking plunger and provided with two holes, a second cross bar formed on said second locking plunger and provided with two holes, a first plunger bolt slidably mounted in one of the holes in said first cross bar, a second plunger bolt slidably mounted in the other hole in said first cross bar, a third plunger bolt slidably mounted in one hole in said second cross bar, a fourth plunger bolt slidably mounted in the other hole in said second cross bar, a pivoted T-crank lever, means including a first link for connecting said first plunger bolt with one arm of said T-crank lever, means including a second link for connecting said third plunger bolt with the arm of said T-crank lever opposite to said one arm, a tie rod connecting the movable rails of the switch at a point ap-' proximately midway between the heel and the point of the switch, means for connecting said tie rod with the remaining arm of said T-crank lever in such manner that said T-crank lever will be rotated to one extreme position or another extreme position according as said switch is moved to its normal or its reverse position, the parts being so proportioned that when said T- crank lever occupies said one extreme position said second locking plunger will be prevented from moving to its locking position and that when said T-crank lever occupies its other extreme position said first locking plunger will be prevented from moving to its locking position, two pivoted bell crank levers, means for operatively connecting one arm of the one bell crank lever with said second plunger bolt, means for operatively connecting one arm of the other bell crank lever with said fourth plunger bolt, means for pivotally connecting the remaining arms of said two bell crank levers with a pipe line in such manner that of said pipe line will simulboth bell crank levers in the same direction, and a second manually o erable position; said second lever being connected with;

said pipe line in such manner that when said secondmanually operable lever verse position said locking plungers will both be moved to unlocking positions.

13. In combination, a railway switch, an operating mechanism for said switch comprising a casing, a motion plate mounted in said casing for reciprocation between two extreme positions, means for reciprocating'said motion plate between its two extreme positions, means including a spring connecting rod for operatively connecting said motion plate with said movable rails in such manner that movement of said motion plate from-its one extreme position to its other extreme position will move said switch from its normal position to its reverse position and viceversa; a locking device reciprocably mounted in said casing and operativelyconnected with said motion plate by means" including a spring in such manner that said locking device will be biased to one extreme position oranoth'er extreme position according as said motion plate is moved to its one extreme position or its other extreme position, a locking plunger secured to said locking device and provided with two looking dogs, a lock rod secured to the movable rails of said switch and extending into said casing and provided with one notch which is adapted to receive one of said locking dogs when and only when the switch occupies its normal position other locking dog when and only when the switch occupies its reverse position to lock the switch in its reverse position, the parts being so proportioned that when said one looking dog is within said one notch it will move past a desired locking position if it is then permitted to move to its one extreme position and that when position, a tie rod of said switch at which both looking with the associated notches in said lock rod until after the train is completely past the switch, said linkage being further so constructed that when said switch occupies its reverse position said linkage will prevent said locking device from being moved by said spring past the desired locking position in said other notch and that when said switch occupies its reverse position and a train trails the switch said linkage will move said locking device to a position in which both said looking dogs are out of engagement with the associated notches in said lock rod.

is moved by said manually operable means, lock mechanism elTective for normally locking said switch in the extreme posiis rotated to its reeffective after a train has 1:2 tion to which it is biased, and means mechanically actuated by a train approaching said switch in a trailing direction when said switch occupies either extreme position for actuating said lock mechanism to unlock said switch until the train is completely past the switch, said lock mechanism being effective to relock said switch automatically after it has been trailed as soon as said switch has been restored to its original position by said biasing means.

15. In combination, a railway switch, switch actuating means for moving said switch to its two extreme positions, lock mechanism effective for locking the switch in either extreme position to which it is moved by said switch actuating means for facing point moves over the switch, a tie rod connected with the movable rails of said switch between the heel and the point of the switch, means connecting said tie rod and said 7 look mechanism and effective when a train approaches said switch in a trailing direction in either extreme position of the switch for actuating said loci; mechanism to unlock the switch until the train has passed the switch, and means trailed the switch for restoring the switch to its original position, said lock mechanism being efiective to relock said switch for facing point moves over said switch as soon as said switch has been restored to its original position by said restoring means.

16. In combination, a railway switch, switch actuating means for moving said switch to its two extreme positions, lock mechanism effective for locking the switch in either extreme position to which .it is moved by said switch actuating means for facing point moves over the switch, means mechanically actuated by a train approaching said switch in a trailing direction when said switch occupies either extreme position for actuating said lock mechanism to unlock said switch until the train is completely past the switch, and means effective after a train has trailed the switch for restoring the switch to its original position, said lock mechanism being effective to automatically relock said switch for facing point moves over said switch as soon as said switch has been restored to its original position by said restoring means.

HERBERT L. BONE.